I know R. Creigh Deeds personally and called him after the Virginia Tech tragedy, which took the life of a precious young woman whom I loved as a daughter. He initially resisted the idea of background checks for private sales at gun shows, telling me that I did not understand rural culture. But he listened, and he understood that common sense dictates that background checks weed out those who would do harm. Robert F. McDonnell continues to oppose these checks.

In addition, Deeds has always supported investing in public education so Virginia can retain its world-class universities and strong K-12 public schools. This advocacy for education and his ability to listen and respond are the hallmarks of a good governor.

The writer is a member of the Fairfax County Democratic Committee.

To submit your own endorsement, write to letters@washpost.com with “My Endorsement” in the subject line. Include your party affiliation, if any, as well as how you voted in Virginia’s last governor’s race. Finally, please include a day and evening phone number (not for publication) and a note disclosing any connection you have to Sen. R. Creigh Deeds or Robert F. McDonnell, their campaigns or the Democratic or Republican parties.